Rail system and method for rosin collection

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for a rosin press that allows improved extraction over existing presses. The press includes improved platens for rosin collection with built-in gutter rail collection systems and well-distributed force on the pressed product and multiple hydraulic rams. In addition, computerized systems are provided for controlling and monitoring the system in an automated fashion, as well as safety features to prevent injury and damage to the product, especially during automated pressing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/248,752,Filed Jan. 15, 2019.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to and describes an improved rosin press forextracting oils from plants using heat and pressure without the need forsolvents or additives. In addition, related devices and accessories aredescribed such as collection trays, gages, alarm systems, controlsystems, and platens, among others. The materials cited below andprovided with the attached IDS are incorporated by reference herein.

Rosin extraction refers to an extraction process that utilizes acombination of heat and pressure to nearly instantaneously squeezeresinous sap from plant material. See, e.g., Bennet, Patrick, “What isRosin?” (Dec. 23, 2015), incorporated by reference and providedherewith, available at leafly.com. The plant material to be pressed intorosin can be dried or freeze dried cannabis flowers (which involvesminimal pre-processing), kief (or dry sift), or it can be plant materialthat has already been processed, such as hash or “bubble hash.” See,e.g., Pure Pressure's “Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, V2 User Manual R2.1” atpage 19, and Philosopher Seeds Blog “Making Bubble Hash with ice andwater” (May 10, 2015), both of which are incorporated by reference andprovided herewith. Typically, the plant material is stored in a meshfilter bag with pore openings that are between 25 micron and 250 micron,depending on the application. The dimensions of the filter bag depend onthe size of the press.

In existing systems, a layer of parchment paper is placed on the rosinpress for collecting extracted rosin, and the filter bag containingplant material is placed on top of or inside of that parchment paper.Heat and pressure is applied by the press to the filter bag, whichcauses the rosin to be pushed through the pores of the filter bag and onto the parchment paper. The temperature and pressure varies depending onthe application, and various temperature and pressure combinations canbe applied to the bag during a single pressing (sometimes thesecombinations of temperature and pressure are referred to as “recipes”).Temperatures typically range between 100 Degrees and 300 DegreesFahrenheit and pressures in the hydraulic line can be very low (10 PSIor less) or as high as 5,000 PSI in some applications.

Rosin presses are typically either hydraulically powered (using oil orwater) or pneumatically powered (using compressed air or other gases).Electromagnetic actuators can also be used to power the press. See,e.g., “Electromagnetic Actuators,” Electronics Hub (Sep. 19, 2015),incorporated by reference and provided herewith, available atelectronicshub.org.

Suitable hydraulic pumps for driving the pistons of a hydraulic pressinclude, for example, the EERPAC 0.5 Gal, 115 VAC Hydraulic ElectricPump, or the Norco Electric Hydraulic Pump, Model # 910052A. See, e.g.,“Buy Electric Hydraulic Pumps—Free Shipping over $50,” Zoro.com and“Norco Pumps—Electro/Hydraulic—Single Acting—10,000 P.S.I Capacity910052A,” Jack x Change, incorporated by reference and providedherewith. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatother hydraulic pumps are also suitable. The pistons can also be drivenusing an air compressor, a hand pump, a mechanical “twist” system, orother manual systems for applying pressure.

The plates in a rosin press are typically electrically heated. Thecontrols and/or monitors for the rosin press can involve a computerizedsystem with a digital display. The material that results from thepressing process is also called rosin, and it can be a translucent,sappy material (sometimes referred to as “shatter”), an oil-likesubstance, a budder or batter (more like a solid), or a wax-likematerial. The consistency of the rosin depends on the starting materialand the details of the particular process used to extract the rosin,among other factors.

The process of rosin extraction, and use of the extracted rosin, hasrecently become popular in connection with marijuana/cannabis, but it isalso used in connection with other plant-based materials. For example,rosin can be obtained from the oleoresin or deadwood of pine trees orfrom tall oil, and the oils extracted from that process can be used formaking varnish. See merriam-webster.com. This devices and applicationsdisclosed herein are described in the context of cannabis rosin andcannabis rosin extraction, although its applicability to rosinextraction from other plants will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art.

Rosin press extraction of cannabis oil offers significant benefits overcannabis oil extraction using solvents and chemicals. For a detaileddescription of the benefits of non-solvent rosin extraction (using arosin press) versus extraction using solvents (such as hydrocarbonextraction processes), see the following articles, which are alsoincorporated by reference and provided herewith:

-   Doudar, Ramsey, “Pros and Cons of Different Concentrates,” Herbn    Elements (Jul. 10, 2017), available at herbnelements.com.-   Andrew Ward, “What is Rosin & Why Does it Matter,” PurePressure    (Oct. 20, 2017) available at gopurepressure.com.-   “What is Rosin and Why You Need to Try It,” Potguide.com (May    1, 2017) available at potguide.com.-   June-Wells, Mark, and Lindback, Mitchell “Your Guide to Hydrocarbon    Extraction,” Cannabis Business Times (May 2, 2018), available at    cannabisbusinesstimes.com.

In short, extraction with solvents often involves dangerous flammablematerials, significant manual labor, and a person with a high level ofskill and knowledge of chemical reactions to oversee the processes. Inaddition, solvent-based extraction uses potentially poisonous or toxicsolvents and can lead to chemical impurities in the extracted oil,especially if the chemical processes are not carried out correctly.These impurities and potentially toxic substances in the rosin areespecially problematic in the cannabis industry, where the extractedcannabis oils are intended to be used in products for human consumption.

In contrast, rosin press extraction can be completed without usingchemicals or solvents, and results in a pure and natural product. Inrosin press extraction, no alcohol or chemicals are required, and itenables extraction of the full spectrum of flavor from the plant and allits essential oil, leaving behind stems leaves that are potentiallytoxic and linked to cancer.

Also, with rosin press extraction, the initial product to be pressed canbe fresh, natural plant material (even straight from the ground) withfull and natural moisture content, aroma, and flavor. With solvent-basedextraction, the plant must be dried or treated with alcohol which addstime and expense and also detracts from the natural qualities andflavors of the plant.

However, a need exists in the art for better rosin presses andextraction methods.

2. Description of Related Art

Examples of existing rosin presses are provided herewith in the form ofthe spec sheets and other documents cited on the Information DisclosureStatement, including the following: My Press—My Rosin Press (Gen. 2);Rosin Tech Products—Rosin Tech Smash; RosinPressNY—10-Ton HydraulicRosin Press; HPN RosinTech Series 3″×4″ Pneumatic 2 Ton Rosin Dual HeatPlaten Heat Press Machine; Pure Pressure—Pikes Peak Press and Longs PeakPress, SpecSheet 1.1; Rosin Tech—RTP Gold Manual Twist Herbal HeatPress. These materials are incorporated by reference herein.

The existing presses suffer from multiple shortcomings, as explainedbelow.

More specifically, a problem with existing presses is that each time therosin press is used for extraction, the extracted rosin must becollected on a sheet of parchment paper or equivalent paper. An exampleof such a collection system is shown in Pure Pressure's “Pikes Peak,Longs Peak, V2 User Manual R2.1” at page 33. Parchment paper collectionrequires significant extra work by the operator in setting up the press,and the set up process is required every time the press is used. Forexample, Pure Pressure's system requires a user to place and secure(using clips) the parchment paper, place the rosin filter bag containingthe material to be pressed on top of the paper, fold the parchment paperover the rosin filter bag, re-center the rosin filter bag, and then clipthe folded over parchment paper into place. If the operator improperlyplaces or fails to secure the paper, the paper may fail to collect theextracted rosin, leading to wasted material. In addition, an operatorusing this system is spending significant amounts of time with his handsinside the pressing area, which can lead to danger from the heat on thepress or pressure if the pressing process is mistakenly started. Othersystems use even more rudimentary methods of collecting the rosin extraon parchment paper. For example, in some systems, the paper is placedflat on the bottom press with the rosin filter bag placed on top, andthe user must manually fold or otherwise manipulate the parchment paperduring operation of the press. Manual manipulation of the parchmentpaper during pressing leads to even more wasted rosin and potentialdanger for the operator. The use of parchment paper is also an addedcost for the parchment paper materials, and it creates environmentalwaste in the form of wasted paper.

As described in more detail below, one aspect of the system and methodeliminates the need for parchment paper while providing a safe,effective system for collecting extracted rosin. More specifically, thelower platen of this aspect includes a gutter rail collector system thatis designed to collect the extract as it oozes from the rosin filterbag. In one embodiment, the gutter rail system is designed with angledcomponents that guide the extracted rosin to each of the four corners ofthe lower platen, with holes in the corners of the platen that “drain”into a tray, cups (for example, silicone cups), or other collectiondevice underneath the platen, for easy collection. The lower platen canbe made from brushed anodized aluminum, which functions well at thetemperatures and pressures used for extraction while allowing theextracted rosin to easily be removed from the gutter system (withoutsticking, for example).

Another problem with existing rosin presses is that the platen applyingpressure (either the upper or lower platen) is typically driven by asingle rod or other driving mechanism attached to the platen with onecontact point or a limited number of contact points that are not welldistributed across the entire plate. As a result, the distribution ofpressure on the platen is often non-uniform during the pressing process.A non-uniform pressure distribution results in a lower yield of rosinfrom the plant material (some areas of the rosin filter bag are notproperly compressed between the platens) and lower quality rosin, andcan even lead to a blow out of plant material from certain areas of thefilter bag, if one side of the filter bag is being compressed more thanthe other. With a non-uniform pressure distribution and limited pointsof contact, the platens often, warp, twist, and fail.

Having few points of contact to drive the moving platen (for example,driving the platen through a single rod placed at the center of theplaten) also limits the size of the platen. Specifically, with limitedpoints of contact on the platen, the corners and edges of the platen arenot stabilized. Due to compression of the platen itself in the areaaround the driving mechanism, the pressure at the driving mechanism(typically the center of the platen) is greater than the pressure at theedges. As the size of the platen increases and the corners and edges ofthe platen are located further away from the driving mechanism, thisdifference in pressure from the center to the outside, non-stabilizededges of the platen becomes problematic. Existing systems limit the sizeof the platen (and correspondingly the size of the rosin filter bags) toreduce this effect.

As explained below, in one aspect, multiple driving mechanisms and/ormultiple, well-distributed points of contact on the platen are used toincrease pressure uniformity throughout the entire platen, including atthe platen outside edges. For example, two or more hydraulic rams can beused rather than a single ram. An exemplary ram for use with this aspectof the invention is the 4×24×2 Hydraulic Log Splitter Cylinder by PrinceHydraulic Cylinder. A sales sheet from Surplus Center describing thisitem is provided herewith and incorporated by reference, available atsurpluscenter.com. A uniform pressure distribution allows for a betteryield of extracted rosin because all areas of rosin filter bag areproperly pressed throughout the extraction process. This also allows forlarger platens, larger rosin filter bags, and correspondingly, moreextracted rosin from a single run of the rosin press.

Another problem with existing rosin presses, and specifically presseswith computerized control systems, is that the presses cannot interfacewirelessly with remote devices, such as cellular phones, tablets, PDAs,or other computing devices. For example, existing presses are notenabled with Bluetooth, WIFI, or other wireless technologies forconnecting to such remote devices. Even for simple tasks, such assoftware updates to the rosin press control system, the rosin press mustbe connected to a laptop or other computer via a USB cable, and theupdates must be downloaded and installed via this separate computer.See, e.g., Pure Pressure's “Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, V2 User Manual R2.1”at page 31. This also makes it difficult for users to download/uploadrecipes from the rosin press system to locations on the internet, toshare recipes among different users, and to remotely control and monitorthe system.

In one form, the rosin press is equipped with Bluetooth, WIFI, and/orother wireless technologies to wirelessly connect to the internet and tocellular phones, tablets, and other remote devices. In this embodiment,software is provided and installed in an electronic memory (RAM, ROM,Flash, or other known electronic memory) on the computer system of therosin press that can cause the computer system to communicate wirelesslyto interact with software applications on phones, tablets, or otherwireless devices. The wireless devices can be used to program, control,and/or monitor the press. The software that is installed on the rosinpress computer system and wireless devices can be provided, for example,by the rosin press manufacturer or a third party on its behalf. Multipledevices and users can download the software for communicating with andcontrolling the rosin press, and different categories of permissions canbe provided for different device users (for example, administrativepermissions for some users but not others). Devices and users can alsoseamlessly share recipes and other information about the presses witheach other and between the presses themselves (for example, a recipesaved on one press can be shared wirelessly over the internet or throughan intermediary wireless device with another press).

Existing rosin presses also lack critical safety features. Partially orfully automated systems involve less user oversight, and therefore,built in safety features are important for these presses. Featuresdescribed herein include for example ultrasonic sensors, heat sensors,pressure sensors, and fuses.

In one form of the systems and methods, ultrasonic sensors are used toprevent hands, body parts, or other items from being crushed duringextraction. Specifically, ultrasonic sensors are mounted to the press tocreate a “force field” around the pressing area. For example, eachsensor can be mounted on the top of the press and directed to the bottomof the press. With the sensors activated during pressing, they create“beams” that surround the pressing area, creating an ultrasonic barrier.Any time the barrier is interrupted by a hand or other object, themachine is programmed to immediately stop pressing and/or to immediatelybegin retracting. The SNS-US015 ultrasonic sensor has been successfullytested for this purpose, although other similar sensors also exist. SeeSNS-US015 Product Sheet, incorporated by reference and providedherewith, available at olimex.com.

In another form, a sensor/breaker fuse is built into one or more of theplatens for “overtemp” protection. The system is programmed so that,when this overtemp sensor senses a certain maximum temperature (forexample, 230 degrees Fahrenheit, but can be adjusted), the heat supplyto the plates is cut off, for example, by the power supply to the platenheaters being interrupted. In the alternative, the entire process caneven be stopped, and/or the press can be retracted. This safety featureis important for both preventing fires and overheating and also forprotecting the valuable product from being burned or otherwisedestroyed.

In another form, a pressure transducer is coupled to the rams of thepress. Similar to the overtemp sensor, the pressure transducer isdesigned to monitor pressure throughout the manufacturing process and toshut down the system and/or cause the system to retract the rams if acertain maximum pressure threshold is exceeded.

Applicant(s) believe(s) that any material incorporated above is“non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referredto for purposes of indicating the background of the invention orillustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believesthat any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essentialmaterial” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)-(3), Applicant(s) willamend the specification to expressly recite the essential material thatis incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules.

SUMMARY

Aspects and applications of the systems, methods, and devices presentedhere are described below in the drawings and detailed description of theinvention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words andphrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain,ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in theapplicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that he can be his ownlexicographer if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as his ownlexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms inthe specification and claims unless he clearly states otherwise and thenfurther, expressly sets forth the “special” definition of that term andexplains how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent suchclear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is theinventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaningto the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification andclaims.

The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and applicationof the special provisions of post-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the useof the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Descriptionor Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehowindicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of post-AIA 35 U.S.C.§ 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions ofpost-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of[insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases anystructure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even whenthe claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or“step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also reciteany structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, orthat perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventor not to invoke the provisions of post-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).Moreover, even if the provisions of post-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) areinvoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that theinventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material oracts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition,include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform theclaimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of theinvention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalentstructures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

The aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisansof ordinary skill in the art from the DETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS,and from the CLAIMS. The use of the words “embodiment” and “object” inthe specification is merely a convenience and not intended to indicatethat certain features (or objects) of the invention are limited to onlycertain forms or examples (or embodiments) of the invention, and is notintended to correlate any claimed feature or object to any one form orembodiment of the invention either alone or in combination with otherfeatures, objects, forms, examples, or embodiments. However, withoutattempting to characterize or limit the scope of inventions as they aredescribed and claimed, some of the advantages of the various features ofthe systems, methods, and devices are summarized below.

The rosin press and related accessories described herein are designedwith improvements in at least four areas: rosin collection; pressinguniformity, stability, and efficiency; wireless and internetconnectivity; and safety. The rosin press and related accessoriesdescribed herein are also better for commercially pressing highquantities of cannabis rosin.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved platen forcollecting rosin that is safe, effective, easy to set up, and efficientsystem for collecting rosin as it is extracted by the press, without theneed for parchment paper or other such materials.

It is yet another (and optionally independent) object of the inventionto provide a rosin press that applies a more uniform and stable pressurethroughout the entire platen and filter bag, including in a system withlarge platens, by using multiple driving mechanisms and/or multiple,well-distributed points of contact on the platen.

It is yet another (and optionally independent) object of the inventionto provide a rosin press equipped with Bluetooth, WIFI, and/or otherwireless technologies to wirelessly connect to the internet and tocellular phones, tablets, and other remote devices. In some variationsof this embodiment, multiple wireless devices and users can program,control, and/or monitor the press wirelessly, and recipes and otherinformation about the presses can be shared among users and amongmultiple presses.

It is yet another (and optionally independent) object of the inventionto increase safety in rosin presses and automated/semi-automated rosinpresses using ultrasonic sensors, heat sensors, pressure sensors, andfuses.

In one exemplary form of the invention, a rosin press platen forpressing and collecting extracted rosin is provided that includes agenerally flat and rectangular pressing area on the top surface of theplaten and a rosin collection area surrounding the pressing area,wherein the rosin collection area comprises a series of grooves in theplaten that are at a lower depth relative to the pressing area, suchthat extracted rosin flows into the grooves during pressing.

In one exemplary form of the invention, one or more openings areincluded in the rosin collection area through the bottom of the rosinpress platen, wherein the grooves are sloped toward the one or moreopenings to guide extracted rosin to the one or more openings.

In one exemplary form of the invention, one or more receptacles forheating elements are provided in the platen.

In one exemplary form of the invention, a hydraulic rosin press isprovided that includes a first hydraulic piston for driving a firsthydraulic ram, a second hydraulic piston for driving a second hydraulicram, a support rod fitted through the first hydraulic ram and the secondhydraulic ram, and an upper platen, wherein the support rod, the firsthydraulic ram, and the second hydraulic ram are each positioned tocontact and transmit force to the upper platen during pressingoperations.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the support rod is fittedthrough brackets on the upper platen that act to stabilize and align thesupport rod and the first and second hydraulic rams.

In one exemplary form of the invention, a lower platen is provided thatincludes a grooved rosin collection area for collecting extracted rosin.

In one exemplary form of the invention, a lower platen and a collectiontray are provided, wherein the lower platen includes one or moreopenings through the bottom of the lower platen for guiding extractedrosin into the collection tray.

In one exemplary form of the invention, a horizontal top support for thepress is located above the hydraulic pistons and first and secondvertical side supports are connected to the horizontal top support. Thefirst and second vertical side supports are approximately parallel toeach other and extend downward from the horizontal top support and thefirst and second vertical side supports are approximately the samelength. In addition, a first horizontal side base support is locatedbeneath the first vertical side support to form a “T” structure with thefirst vertical side support. In addition, the press includes first andsecond cross supports that connect from each end of the first horizontalside base support to the first vertical side support to form a firsttriangular support structure. The press also includes a secondhorizontal side base support located beneath the second vertical sidesupport to form a “T” structure with the second vertical side support,as well as third and fourth cross supports that connect from each end ofthe second horizontal side base support to the second vertical sidesupport to form a second triangular support structure. In addition, ahorizontal base center support is located beneath the horizontal topsupport and beneath the hydraulic pistons and a pressing area of therosin press, such that the horizontal base center support and horizontaltop support are approximately parallel to each other located between thepressing area of the rosin press. The horizontal base center support isconnected to the first horizontal side base support, second horizontalside base support, first vertical side support, and second vertical sidesupport.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the horizontal top support,horizontal base center support, first horizontal side base support,second horizontal side base support, first vertical side support, andsecond vertical side support are I-beams.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the press includes a lowerplaten that is attached to the rosin press and removable, locatedbeneath the upper platen.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the system includes atemperature sensor attached to the upper platen. The temperature sensoris configured to send a signal to interrupt heat supply to the upperplaten if the temperature measured by the sensor exceeds a designatedmaximum temperature.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the system includes ultrasonicsensors arranged to form an ultrasonic field around a pressing area ofthe rosin press when activated. The rosin press is configured toautomatically shut off when the ultrasonic field is interrupted duringpressing operations.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the rosin press iscomputer-controlled rosin press, and includes a pressing area. Thecomputer control system includes a memory configured to store profileinformation for multiple pressing profiles, wherein each pressingprofile includes a series of steps comprising time, temperature, andpressure settings for the rosin press. The computer controller isconfigured to control the rosin press, receive pressing instructionsfrom a wireless device via a wireless interface, send information to thewireless device, including temperature and pressure information, sendpressing profiles to and receive pressing profiles from the wirelessdevice, and execute pressing profile steps according to a selectedpressing profile.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the system includes one or moreservers for storing pressing profiles operable to wirelessly sendpressing profiles to the computer-controlled rosin press and thewireless device and wirelessly receive pressing profiles from thecomputer-controlled rosin press and the wireless device.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the system includes a userprofile with one or more associated pressing profiles stored on the oneor more servers, wherein the computer controller is configured to sendpressing profile information stored on the memory to the one or moreservers to be associated with the user profile.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the lower platen includes agrooved rosin collection area for collecting extracted rosin.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the computer-controlled rosinpress includes a temperature sensor attached to a platen of the rosinpress, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to send a signal tothe computer controller that interrupts heat supply to the upper platenif the temperature measured by the sensor exceeds a designated maximumtemperature.

In one exemplary form of the invention, the computer-controlled rosinpress includes ultrasonic sensors arranged to form an ultrasonic fieldaround a pressing area of the rosin press when activated, wherein theultrasonic sensors send a signal to the computer controller to shut offthe press when the ultrasonic field is interrupted during pressingoperations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description when considered in connection withthe following illustrative figures. In the figures, like referencenumbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the hydraulic rosinpress, which includes (among other items) I-beam supports with angledsupport beams, an upper hydraulic support rod inserted through femalecylinders to secure two hydraulic pistons, which drive two rams that fitinto an upper platen, an upper platen support rod that fits through therams and support brackets that are also attached to the upper platen, alower platen, heat gages, and a manual control housing.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a first embodiment of the upperplaten.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the first embodiment of the upper platen.

FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the first embodiment of the upper platen

FIG. 5 depicts a right side view of the first embodiment of the upperplaten.

FIG. 6 depicts a left side view of the first embodiment of the upperplaten.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the upper platen.

FIG. 8 depicts a bottom view of the first embodiment of the upperplaten.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of a first embodiment of the lowerplaten with a gutter rail collection system.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the first embodiment of the lower platenwith a gutter rail collection system.

FIG. 11 depicts a back view of the first embodiment of the lower platenwith a gutter rail collection system.

FIG. 12 depicts a right side view of the first embodiment of the lowerplaten with a gutter rail collection system.

FIG. 13 depicts a left side view of the first embodiment of the lowerplaten with a gutter rail collection system.

FIG. 14 depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the lower platenwith a gutter rail collection system.

FIG. 15 depicts a bottom view of the first embodiment of the lowerplaten with a gutter rail collection system.

FIG. 16 depicts an isometric view of a first embodiment of an upperplaten support bracket.

FIG. 17 depicts a front view of the first embodiment of the upper platensupport bracket.

FIG. 18 depicts a back view of the first embodiment of the upper platensupport bracket.

FIG. 19 depicts a right side view of the first embodiment of the upperplaten support bracket.

FIG. 20 depicts a left side view of the first embodiment of the upperplaten support bracket.

FIG. 21 depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the upper platensupport bracket.

FIG. 22 depicts a bottom view of the first embodiment of the upperplaten support bracket.

FIG. 23 depicts a top view of the rosin press floor piece.

FIG. 24 shows the mesh filter bag on the press, just prior to operationof the press for extraction.

FIG. 25 shows a close up view of the platen area of the press duringextraction, with rosin oozing from the filter bag and collecting in thelower platen.

FIG. 26 shows an example of an ultrasonic barrier around the pressingarea.

FIGS. 27-31 show exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) screens forcertain embodiments of the rosin press.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an exemplary system for controlling thesupply of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic pistons.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and havenot necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence orembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will beunderstood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussedmore generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases,a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implementthe various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation isto be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are manydifferent and alternative configurations, devices and technologies towhich the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of theinventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

FIG. 1 depicts one form of the hydraulic rosin press. This example ofthe press includes a horizontal top I-beam support (10), vertical sideI-beam supports (12 a and 12 b), horizontal side base I-beam supports(14 a and 14 b), and a horizontal base center I-beam support (16). Inthis embodiment, cross supports (12 c, 12 d, 12 e, and 12 f) areattached to the vertical side I-beam supports (12 a and 12 b) andhorizontal side base I-beam supports (14 a and 14 b) to furtherstabilize the rosin press.

Generally, the I-beam supports and cross supports in this embodiment aremade from cast iron and welded to each other at the various points ofcontact show in the figures (although other known methods of attachmentmay also be suitable). For example, the upper ends of side I-beamsupports (12 a and 12 b) are welded to top I-beam support (10). Theupper ends of cross supports (12 c, 12 d, 12 e, and 12 f) are welded toside I-beam supports (12 a and 12 b). The lower ends of cross supports(12 c, 12 d, 12 e, and 12 f) and lower ends of side I-beam supports (12a and 12 b) are welded to side base I-beam supports (14 a and 14 b). Theends of base center I-beam support (16) are welded to the center,interior sides of each of the side base I-beam supports (14 a and 14b).As shown, the top I-beam support (10) is approximately parallel tothe base center I-beam support (16) to maximize stability and supportduring pressing.

Although the top, side and base supports can be made from othermaterials, the I-beams are advantageous for several reasons,including 1) they provide a stable base that is very secure underpressure and 2) the I-beams are readily available in a variety of shapesand sizes, and different I-beam sizes can be used depending on thedesired size and maximum pressure needed for a particular rosin press.The particular geometric design shown in the drawings also helps tomaintain stability during earthquakes and similar events.

The rosin press floor (18) rests upon the side base I-beam supports (14a and 14 b), and base center I-beam support (16). It can also be weldedto the I-beams. FIG. 23 provides a detailed top view of the rosin pressfloor piece. The floor in this embodiment includes several notches (80a, 80 b, 80 c, 80 d, 80 e, and 80 f in FIG. 23) to fit around thesupport beams and a notch (82 in FIG. 23) for the heat gauge tray (20).In addition, the rosin press floor (18) includes tabs (84 a-84 h in FIG.23) for aligning and securing the lower platen (22). As shown in FIG. 1,the lower platen (22) sits above the base center I-beam support (16) sothat it is supported by the base center I-beam support during pressingoperations.

With the tabs (84 in FIG. 23), the position of the lower platen (22)that collects the extracted rosin can be adjusted or realigned, so thatthe lower platen properly lines up with the upper platen. The tabscontact the side of the lower platen, near the corners, and in oneembodiment, the tabs are tapped with a hammer until the top and bottomplaten are aligned.

With this method, the lower platen (22) is removable and can be adjusted(although, in the alternative, the bottom platen can also be permanentlyaffixed to the floor once aligned, for example, by welding). In certainembodiments the lower platen (22) can act as a tray that is easilyremoved from the floor so that the collected rosin can be poured orotherwise removed from the lower platen.

Optionally, the rosin press floor (18) also includes drain holes (86a-86 d in FIG. 23). As explained in further detail below, the lowerplaten (22) in certain embodiments is designed such that extracted rosinflows to its corners and out through holes. In the forms of the systemwith drain holes (86 a-86 d) in the rosin press floor, the extractedrosin also flows through the drain holes (86 a-86 d) and into a basin,cups, or other suitable collection devices located under the rosin pressfloor.

The example shown in FIG. 1 includes two hydraulic pistons (24 a and 24b) used to drive two hydraulic rams (26 a and 26 b). Alternatively, asingle piston and ram or more than two hydraulic rams and pistons can beused. Two pistons are selected in this embodiment because as arrangedand described herein, they help maintain a more uniform pressure acrossthe platen during pressing. The hydraulic pistons (24 a and 24 b) arewelded or otherwise affixed to female cylinders (28 a and 28 b). Femalecylinders (30 a and 30 b) of like diameter are also welded or otherwiseaffixed to the top I-beam support (10) and side I-beam supports (12 aand 12 b).

With this arrangement of the female cylinders of like size on thepistons and supports, an upper hydraulic support rod (32) can beinserted through female cylinders 28 a, 30 a, 30 b, and 28 b in order tostably secure the hydraulic pistons under the top I-beam support (10).The hydraulic support rod is designed to withstand pressures of 20,000PSI in a system where 10,000 maximum PSI to the hydraulic line isexpected (for a factor of safety). In one embodiment, a two inchstainless steel bar hydraulic actuator is used, but other bars/materialsthat can withstand these loads can also be used.

The hydraulic rams (26 a and 26 b) fit into bores (34 a and 34 b) in theupper platen (36), and also include holes with a diameter sufficient tofit the upper platen support rod (38). In one example, the upper platensupport brackets (40 a and 40 b) include retaining tabs to secure theupper platen support rod into place and prevent left and right movement,but also keep it removable (the tabs can be tightened or loosened). Thebrackets (40 a and 40 b) are fastened with bolts or screws, welded, orotherwise secured to the upper platen (34) at points 42 a, 42 b, 42 c,and 42 d.

The brackets (40 a and 40 b) keep the upper platen support rod alignedand also help to ensure that the hydraulic rams (26 a and 26 b) stay inalignment. During pressing operations, the upper platen support rod (38)is in contact with and distributes force on the upper platen 36.Accordingly, the device/system includes multiple “points of contact” todistribute force generated by the hydraulic press during pressing on theupper platen 36: the two center bores 34 a and 34 b and the support rod38 are all pressing down on the upper platen 36 to cause a more equaldistribution of force on the upper platen and correspondingly, thefilter bag. The force is distributed across the plate including near theoutside edges of the plate, rather than being concentrated in one area(such as the plate center).

FIGS. 2-8 depict more detailed views of the upper platen as describedabove, including the center bores 34 a and 34 b and connection pointsfor the bracket (42 a, 42 b, 42 c, and 42 d). Optionally, as shown inFIGS. 2-8, the upper platen top side also includes a moat (44) forcollecting any dripping hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder,hydraulic rod, or tubing described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottomof the upper platen includes a rectangular, flat surface (52) andbeveled edges (54 a-54 d). The rectangular, flat surface (52) is thepart of the upper platen that is in contact with the filter bagcontaining plant material during pressing operations, as explained infurther detail below.

In one form, both the upper and lower platens are made from aluminum,because of the cost and heat conductivity properties of aluminum, butthey can also be made from steel or other suitable strong, conductingmetal that will not bend under the pressure and heat described herein.The platens can also be hard anodized to prevent corrosion of theplatens, and also to prevent extracted rosin from sticking to theplatens, so that it can be removed from the platen and also flow throughthe gutter rails on the lower platen more easily.

As shown in FIG. 5, the upper platen also includes a number of holes tohouse various components of the system. Two of these holes (56 a and 56b) are bored all the way through the platen to house cartridge heatersfor heating the platen. The cartridge heaters are shaped like rods withwires that extend to connect them to a source of electricity. Thecartridge heaters are pulse-width modulated to control platentemperature. Of course, the cartridge heaters are not the only way toheat the platens, as those skilled in the art will recognize. Forexample, in alternate form, the platens are manufactured from ferrousmaterial and heated through induction heaters, such as the heaters usedwith standard induction cooktops. With larger platens, induction heatingmay in some circumstances be more efficient than heating with thecartridge heaters.

Another of these holes (58 a) is used to house the overtemp sensor,described in more detail below. Hole 60 a houses a computer sensor forcommunicating information to the computer system automated versions ofthe system. Hole 62 a is for a manual temperature sensor that isattached to a temperature gauge in some embodiments, wherein the gaugetray (20) houses the temperature gauge. Holes 58 a, 60 a, and 62 a donot need to be drilled all the way through the platen (for example, theycan be about 1 inch deep within the side of the platen).

Corresponding holes 56 c and 56 d for cartridge heaters, 58 b for theovertemp sensor, 60 b for the computer sensor, and 62 b for the manualtemperature sensor also can be implemented in the lower platen, as shownin FIG. 12.

FIG. 1 also shows a manual control housing (46) for housing controls forthe rosin press, including controls for the temperature, for settingpressure of the hydraulic pump, and for other tasks that can be set“manually.” The manual control housing (46) can be placed in thelocation as shown or in other suitable locations on the rosin press thatare not near the pressing area. The manual control housing can also beremovable or separate from the rosin press.

The manual control housing (and controls) are not required. In someforms of the press, only the manual controls are used to adjusttemperature, pressure, etc. In other forms, the manual controls do notexist, and all of the function is computer controlled. The system canalso include a touchscreen and/or wireless capabilities to be controlledby a remote device, as explained in further detail below. In yet anotherform, both manual and computer controls are available to be used, orsome combination of the two is used to control the press.

FIG. 1 also shows the top chamber inlets (48 a and 48 b) and bottomchamber outlets (50 a and 50 b) of the hydraulic pistons (24 a and 24b). The chamber inlets and outlets are used to pump hydraulic fluid(such as oil) into or out of the hydraulic pistons to create pressurethat is transferred to the upper platen and the filter bag containingplant material that is placed between the upper platen and lower platen(as explained in further detail below). Specifically, during a pressingoperation, hydraulic fluid (such as oil) is pumped through lines (suchas ⅜″ aluminum lines) into the top chamber inlets (48 a and 48 b) of thehydraulic pistons (24 a and 24 b). Both lines can be attached to thesame pump, with a single line from the pump being split by a “T” to sendhydraulic fluid into both top chamber inlets (48 a and 48 b). In thealternative, multiple pumps can be used (with separate lines feed fluidto each top chamber inlet).

The press is compatible with 12V or 120V hydraulic pumps. The pumps andother components that require electricity can be plugged into a standard120 V wall outlet for the power source, or battery power using aninverter can be used as a substitute. One set of batteries and plugs canbe used to power everything, or each electric component of the systemcan have its own separate power source, in some embodiments.

In another adaptation, solar power can also be used to power the rosinpress. This is particularly advantageous in processing cannabis or otherplant materials right on the site where it is grown, in an outdoorenvironment. Processing fresh product on site can lead to better resultsin both flavor and quality of the extracted rosin.

FIGS. 9-15 depict a first example of the lower platen (22) with gutterrail collection system. As shown in FIG. 9, the lower platen alsoincludes a rectangular flat surface (64). This rectangular flat surfaceis typically the same size the rectangular, flat surface (52) of theupper platen (36), and during pressing operations, the two rectangularflat surfaces are generally aligned and press against each side of thefilter bag with plant material (placed between the two rectangular flatsurfaces).

The lower platen also includes a gutter rail collection system 66. Asshown, the gutter rail collection system has four “peaks” (66 a, 66 b,66 c, and 66 d), with one peak at each side of the rectangle. From eachside of each of the peaks, a sloping rail (labeled 68 a-68 h) extendstoward each of the corners of the upper platen, so that gravity willcause rosin oozing from the filter bag to slide down the rails and intothe corners. Additional sloping rails (labeled 70 a-70 h) also slopedownward from the corners of the rectangular flat surface (64) towardthe corners.

In this form, the lower platen (22) has holes (72 a-72 d) bored at eachof its four corners. In this embodiment, the holes are bored all the waythrough the bottom of the lower platen such that the rosin is “drained”out the bottom of the lower platen, through the holes (86 a-86 d in FIG.23) in the rosin press floor (18), and into cups, a collection tray (ortrays), or another suitable collector underneath the rosin press floor.

The form or example disclosed in FIGS. 9-15 is not the only possiblearrangement for the gutter rail system and lower platen. For example,the gutter rails system can exclude the sloping rails, so that the railsystem includes only the peaks with slopes from those peaks to each ofthe four corners. The gutter rail system can also consist of arectangular “moat” that does not include any sloping rails or peaks. Theholes 72 a-72 d can also be excluded in certain embodiments, such thatthe lower platen itself acts as the tray for collecting the rosin. Inother embodiments, the holes 72 a-72 d are not bored all the way throughthe lower platen but act as reservoirs to collect the rosin within thebottom platen.

In yet another form, the gutter rail system includes holes atapproximately the center of each side rather than the corners, and thegutter rails slope down from each of the corners to the center holes toguide extracted rosin through the bottom of the lower platen. In yetanother exemplary embodiment, all of the gutter rails are designed toslope toward a single hole through the bottom of the lower platen—forexample, with sloping rails that begin at the top left corner and extenddownward toward the top right corner and downward toward the bottom leftcorner, and then further downward from the top right corner and alsofurther downward from the bottom left corner, so that all of the rosinis guided down (with gravity) the series of rails toward a hole in thebottom right corner and out of the bottom of the plate.

Of course the lower platen can also have no gutter rail system, andparchment paper can be used to collect extracted rosin.

As explained above, the lower platen can be removable, and thus,multiple lower platen configurations can be available (and soldseparately) for a single press that are interchangeable. The user canchoose the lower platen depending on preference and/or the particularapplication.

The lower platen can be made from brushed anodized aluminum, whichfunctions well at the temperatures and pressures used for extractionwhile allowing the extracted rosin to easily be removed from the guttersystem (without sticking, for example).

FIGS. 16-22 depict a an example of one of the upper platen supportbrackets (shown as 40 a and 40 b in FIG. 1). As shown, bolt holes 74 aand 74 b are included on each side of the upper platen support bracketfor fastening the upper platen support brackets to the upper platen.During pressing operations, the upper platen support rod causes pressureto be applied to the upper platen. The upper platen support bracketskeep the upper platen support rod in alignment and during pressingoperations and prevent slipping. Optionally, tabs can be included on thesupport brackets to further secure the upper platen support rod.

One of the key benefits to the various embodiments described above isthat most of the parts are removable, and therefore the press isserviceable. For example, hydraulic rams can be removed, replaced orrepaired, and so can parts like the platens. As useful additional time“for sale” and additional source of revenue, variations of the lowerplaten can be offered, and interchangeably swapped in and out of themachine (for example different colors, styles and shapes for the lowerplaten). The same applies to other parts within the rosin press.

FIG. 24 shows the mesh filter bag on the press, just prior to operationof the press for extraction.

FIG. 25 shows a close up view of the platen area of the press duringextraction, with rosin oozing from the filter bag and collecting in thelower platen.

FIG. 26 shows an example of an ultrasonic barrier around the pressingarea. As shown in this example, ultrasonic sensors (88 a through 88 d)are attached to the rosin press floor (18) to create an ultrasonicbarrier that is generally perpendicular to the floor. In thisembodiment, a shelf (90) is welded or otherwise attached to the topI-beam support (10) and/or vertical side I-beam supports (12 a and 12b). Additional ultrasonic sensors (90 a through 90 d) are attached tothe bottom of the shelf (90) facing downward and perpendicular to theshelf, toward the other ultrasonic sensors. In this manner an ultrasonicbarrier is created on the front side of the rosin press. A similarbarrier can be created on the backside of the rosin press in essentiallythe same manner (ultrasonic sensors on the rosin press floor and on ashelf).

The ultrasonic sensors are activated during pressing operations, toactivate the barriers. In this manner, if the barrier is interrupted bya hand or other object during operations, the machine is programmed toimmediately stop pressing and/or to immediately begin retracting. Thebarrier shown in FIG. 26 is exemplary, and a person of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that the barrier can be formed in other ways (forexample, by placing the sensors on posts and facing them horizontallyrelative to the floor to create a horizontal barrier).

FIGS. 27-31 show exemplary touchscreen display graphical user interface(GUI) screens for the described rosin press. FIG. 27 is a “main menu”screen, which shows options to begin a press process, create newprofiles, or edit existing profiles. FIG. 28 shows the screen forediting a profile. The profile corresponds to a “recipe” of anextraction process to follow. As shown, a profile can be named (such as“Santa's Beard” or “Default 1”), and the creator can add notes to theprofile that explain its purpose, the materials involved, or any otherinformation that the user deems necessary to be shared. Steps are added,and each step has customizable settings for time, pressure, and upperand lower platen temperatures. The creator of the profile can create asmany steps as necessary for a given process.

For example, for step 1, pressure might be set to 500 PSI for 30seconds, at a 200 degree Fahrenheit temperature. And for Step 2 pressuremight be set to 1000 PSI at 210 Degrees temperature for 35 seconds.Using the GUI in FIG. 29, the users can add and adjust steps asnecessary. For manual runs or runs that do not involve the GUI, the usercan manually make adjustments to the system on pressure and temperatureand carry out steps to in a recipe as well. However, the GUI eliminatesthe need for that intensive labor and offers additional benefits. Ineither case, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, recipes willvary depending on the product and specific application. As shown in FIG.29, a pop-up touchscreen “keyboard” can be used for entering data, or inthe alternative, a standard physical computer keyboard or other inputmechanism can be connected to the system.

In most circumstances, the pressure will range from as low as 10 PSI toas high as 5,000 PSI throughout the course of any specific run. And thetemperature will range from ambient up to 235 degrees Fahrenheit in mostapplications (if too hot, the product will be destroyed). These minimumsand maximums vary depending on the product and specific application.

Returning to FIG. 28, when the profile creator has finished setting upall the steps of a given recipe/profile, he/she selects the save button.

FIG. 30 shows an exemplary screen for after the “process” screen isselected from the main menu FIG. 27. The user has the option to “Start”a process—as shown initially a default profile is in place for when“Start” is selected. If the user prefers not to use the default profilefor extraction, he selects the “select profile” button, which brings upa list of profiles for selection. In the alternative, the user can entera name or other identifier corresponding to a specific profile/recipe hewished to select, rather than selecting form a list. FIG. 31 shows ascreen that can appear during a pressing process, with the option to“stop” at any time. In the alternative, each of the steps can be shownon the screen as they are carried out during the recipe (current time,current pressure, current temperature, etc.).

In the computerized system with a display, either the touchscreendisplay described above, or a separate display (such as a large displayattached to the top I-beam support (10)) is used to show various stepsof the pressing process as they occur. For example, the display can show“processing” in yellow while the press is in operation, and then displaythe word “completed” in green when the pressing process is complete. Asanother example, if the ultrasonic sensors are tripped, an “Alert Stop”message can be shown on the screen in red to indicate the problem (or asimilar warning to prevent users from placing anything in the pressingarea during operations). Optionally, the computerized system can belinked to an audio system that provides corresponding auditory promptsfor the user as well. For example, the audio system can make a certainsound (such as a beep or series of beeps) each time the press isstarting operations, and/or sound a horn or a loud beep each time theprocess is complete. The system can also make an alarm sound each timethe ultrasonic sensors are tripped (or for other necessary alerts).Optionally, the graphical user interface also includes volume controlsfor the audio system.

The rosin press and system can also optionally be equipped withBluetooth, WIFI, and/or other wireless technologies to wirelesslyconnect to the internet and to cellular phones, tablets, and otherremote devices. In this form, software is provided and installed on thecomputer system of the rosin press that allows the computer system ofthe rosin press to communicate and interact with software applicationson phones, tablets, or other wireless devices (including, for example,applications that are downloaded over the internet or otherwise providedfrom the rosin press manufacturer, a third party server, or “appstore”). The wireless devices can be used to program, control, and/ormonitor the press. The software that is installed on the rosin press andwireless devices can be provided, for example, by the rosin pressmanufacturer or a third party on its behalf. The graphical userinterface for the remote devices can be similar to the graphical userinterface described above, or modified as necessary. Multiple devicesand users can download the software for communicating with andcontrolling the rosin press, and different categories of permissions canbe provided for different device users (for example, administrativepermissions for some users but not others). Devices and users can alsoseamlessly share recipes and other information about the presses witheach other and between the presses themselves (for example, a recipesaved on one press can be shared wirelessly over the internet or throughan intermediary wireless device with another press).

As an example, the “select profile” option can be connected to aworldwide database of profiles (or a database of profiles shared withmultiple specific users) not just locally stored profiles correspondingto recipes. These profiles can be retrieved through a local network orthe internet, and certain profiles can be selected for permanent storageon a user device or on a memory of the rosin press computer.

A computerized tracking system can be incorporated for tracking each runof the press and storing the process and results in memory. For example,each time the machine is started and stopped or each time a certainrecipe is used to extract rosin, the whole operation can be tracked.This allows the use of the machine to be tracked for auditing andmaintenance purposes, and also allows for research into how successfulcertain recipes are over time. In addition, an estimated expected yieldfrom the extractions that take place over a certain period of time canbe compared to actual yield during that same period, for purposes ofunderstanding efficiency (and also tracking whether product isunexpectedly missing that should have been expected from theextractions). Furthermore, by tracking each run of the press, the usercan be alerted as to when the rosin collection tray or other collectionsystem is full or close to full.

The tracked number of presses and other results can also be shown on thedisplay of the system. In one example, a “maximum number of presses”before emptying the collection system can be set and displayed prior tostarting a series of presses. The system can “count up” toward thatmaximum number with each run of the press and alert the user when themaximum number of press runs is reached. In one variation of this form,the system can be programmed to discontinue pressing operations once themaximum number of press runs is reached, and to require confirmationthat the rosin collection system has been emptied in order to allowpressing operations to resume.

To help explain the system, specific examples of the operations of therosin press and components are discussed below.

The process begins with placement of the rosin press filter bag directlyon the lower platen. As explained above, the plant material to bepressed into rosin can be dried or freeze dried cannabis flowers (whichinvolves minimal pre-processing), kief (or dry sift), or it can be plantmaterial that has already been processed, such as hash or “bubble hash.”See, e.g., Pure Pressure's “Pikes Peak, Longs Peak, V2 User Manual R2.1”at page 19, and Philosopher Seeds Blog “Making Bubble Hash with ice andwater.” Typically, the plant material is stored in a mesh filter bagwith pore openings that are between 25 micron and 250 micron, dependingon the application.

The filter bag is typically about the same width and length as therectangular, flat surfaces 52 and 64. With the devices and systemsdescribed herein, because of the two hydraulic presses and upper platensupport rod for distributing force on the upper platen, the filter bagwidth and length can be larger than usual. For example, a filter bagsize of 3″×10″ has been used effectively with press described herein(and larger filter bag sizes can be used by applying the principlesdisclosed herein to “scale up” the size of the press (for example, morethan two hydraulic rams, additional upper platen support brackets,and/or a longer upper platen support rod can be used to increase thesize of the platens)).

With the larger filter bag size, more plant material is used in a singlepressing, while maintaining a comparable yield per gram of material,resulting in a higher total yield of rosin compared with smaller bagsand existing systems. Furthermore no parchment paper is required to beplaced between the upper or lower platen and the filter bag containingplant material.

Next, the upper and lower platens are heated to the desired initialtemperature. This can be accomplished by powering the cartridge heaterswith an appropriate voltage corresponding to the desired temperature.

Next, the hydraulic fluid is pumped from the pump (or pumps) to each ofthe hydraulic pistons (24 a and 24 b) to create the desired amount ofpressure on the platens and the product. Pressure gauges connect to theplatens can be read manually and or adjusted manually, or pressuresensors can feed pressure readings back to an electronic control systemto adjust the pressure fed to the hydraulic pistons. The hydraulicpistons drive the hydraulic rams (26 a and 26 b) which correspondinglydrive the upper platen (36) through connections at the two center bores34 a and 34 b and through the upper platen support rod (38).

During pressing operations, the temperature and pressure are usuallyadjusted and applied during set intervals of time according to a recipe(as explained above), in order to maximize yield from the plantmaterial. For example, step 1 is an initial pressure and temperature foran interval of time, step 2 is a different pressure and temperature foran interval of time, step 3 is yet another pressure and temperature foran interval of time, and so on, until the process is completed.

At a time soon after the process of applying heat and pressure begins,the rosin begins to ooze from the rosin filter bag and into the gutterrail collection system of the lower platen (22). The rosin can besimilar to a liquid, like an oil, or more like a thicker “sap,” withvarying levels of viscosity, depending on the application. Furthermore,the sap tends to harden or become less viscous as the temperature of therosin decreases.

However, as the rosin is oozing from the rosin filter bag, it istypically at a temperature of 150 degrees or higher, and it is thereforerelatively viscous. At this temperature, in most applications, the rosinis viscous to enter the gutter rail system and by force of gravity (incombination with the additional rosin oozing from the bag and pushingbehind it), it will flow down the gutters toward the corners of thelower platen (22). When the rosin reaches the corners, it drips throughthe holes (86 a-86 d in FIG. 23) in the rosin press floor (18), and intocups, a collection tray (or trays), or another suitable collectorunderneath the rosin press floor

After the recipe is complete and/or the rosin has stopped oozing fromthe filter bag, the process ends by reducing the pressure andtemperature of the press. For example, pressure can be reduced bypumping hydraulic fluid out of the bottom chamber outlets (50 a and 50b) of the hydraulic pistons (24 a and 24 b), until the pistons and upperplaten retract (usually back to their starting position). Again, thiscan be computer-controlled or manually initiated by the user.

When the process is complete, the collected rosin can be scraped fromthe tray, or if it is still warm enough to be viscous, it can be pouredfrom the tray into some other storage. In the alternative, the rosin isnot poured from the tray after a single press, and with a large tray,rosin from multiple (even one hundred or more) press operations can becollected before it is required to be moved from the tray to anotherstorage container.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an exemplary system for controlling thesupply of hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic pistons. As shown thehydraulic supply pump (92) includes supply fluid to/from the servocontrol valve (94), which ultimately regulates the fluid supply to/fromthe hydraulic pistons (24 a and 24 b). The servo control valve can becomputer controlled by a control board (98) or manual controlled (96) byhand with suitable mechanisms for opening/closing the valve.

1-20 (canceled)
 21. A rosin press comprising: (a) an upper platenincluding an upper platen flat surface pressing area that is configuredto apply pressure to a plant material during pressing operations; and(b) a lower platen including: (1) a lower platen flat and solid surfacepressing area upon which the plant material rests during pressingoperations, and (2) a gutter rail collection system surrounding thelower platen flat and solid surface pressing area, wherein the gutterrail collection system comprises peaks and sloping rails configured toguide and collect rosin extracted from the plant material duringpressing operations.
 22. The rosin press of claim 21, further comprisinga collection tray, wherein the gutter rail collection system includesone or more openings through the bottom of the lower platen for guidingextracted rosin into the collection tray.
 23. The rosin press of claim21, wherein the lower platen is removable.
 24. The rosin press of claim21, wherein the plant material comprises a mesh filter bag containing atleast a portion of a plant.
 25. The rosin press of claim 21, wherein theplant material comprises at least a portion of a dried plant.
 26. Therosin press of claim 21, further comprising a non-volatile memoryconfigured to store information relating to the pressing operations. 27.The rosin press of claim 21, further comprising a computer controller.28. The rosin press of claim 27, further comprising a wireless interfacefor communicating information to and from the computer controller. 29.The rosin press of claim 28, wherein the information includes recipesfor pressing operations.
 30. The rosin press of claim 21, wherein thelower platen comprises hard-anodized metal.
 31. A method of extractingrosin from a plant material using a rosin press, the method comprising:(a) receiving a plant material on a solid and flat surface pressing areaof a lower platen; (b) receiving input that engages a pressing operationof the rosin press; (c) applying pressure to the plant material duringthe pressing operation with an upper platen that includes an upperplaten flat surface pressing area in contact with the plant material;and (d) guiding extracted rosin during the pressing operation to a rosincollection area using a gutter rail collection system surrounding thesolid and flat pressing area of the lower platen, wherein the gutterrail collection system comprises peaks and sloping rails.
 32. The methodof claim 31, wherein the input is received via a wireless interface. 33.The method of claim 31, wherein the input is received via a touchscreen.34. The method of claim 31 further comprising storing informationrelating to the pressing operation in a non-volatile memory.
 35. Themethod of claim 31, wherein the rosin collection area comprises a traybeneath the lower platen.
 36. The method of claim 31, wherein the plantmaterial comprises a mesh filter bag containing at least a portion of aplant.
 37. The method of claim 31, wherein the plant material comprisesat least a portion of a dried plant.
 38. The method of claim 31, furthercomprising guiding extracted rosin to the rosin collection area throughone or more openings in the lower platen.
 39. The method of claim 31,wherein the rosin collection area is on the lower platen.
 40. The methodof claim 31, wherein the input includes selection of a recipe for thepressing operation.